Thunder notebook: Thunder opens practice to fans

The Thunder will hold an open practice at the Ford Center tonight for fans. The session will start at 6, and doors open at 5:30.

Free tickets for the practice will be distributed at the doors of the Ford Center. Seating is general admission. “It’s fun for the fans to get to see the team up close and personal as far as a practice setting,” said Kevin Durant. “

But it’s also going to be fun for us to see the fans and interact with the fans as well.”

Coach P.J. Carlesimo estimated the session will draw more than 15,000 fans but doesn’t want the event to be a distraction and stressed the importance of players treating it like any other practice. “It needs to be a good practice,” Carlesimo said.

“The purpose behind an open practice is for other people to be able to come in and see the practice. In this case, for a lot of people who may not be able to get to a lot of games or any games it’s a chance for them to see the team.” Carlesimo said the team will begin stretching at 6 p.m. before going into drills and other routine practice exercises over the next 45 minutes.

The Thunder will scrimmage from 7 to 8, playing either two 10-minute quarters or two 12-minute quarters.

WILCOX WORKING ON CONDITIONING

Carlesimo said Chris Wil cox was among a handful of players that also included Mo Sene and Robert Swift, who are “behind the eight ball” because of inadequate conditioning. “He’s got to be in real top shape to do the things he does best, and right now he’s not in that,” Carlesimo said of Wilcox. “So getting him healthy so we can get him in the top shape is really going to be important.”